Cuticle oil gel composition, delivery system and method of dispensing same

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a cuticle oil gel delivery system. The system allows a user to apply a cuticle oil gel to remove dust and other particles that accumulate on or around the cuticle without a brush. The present invention is also directed to a cuticle oil gel composition. The present invention is further directed to a method for dispersing cuticle oil gel onto a cuticle.

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/402,152 filed on Aug. 9, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to fingernail care, and to theapparatus and methods for accomplishing such care. Specifically, thepresent invention relates to a cuticle oil gel, a delivery system fordispensing the cuticle oil gel and method of dispensing the cuticle oilgel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are many reasons why a person is interested in cuticle andfingernail care. One reason is improved appearance of the cuticles andnails. Another reason is to protect the cuticle and nails against damagefrom both environmental and mechanical abuse. Environmental problemsoccur when the cuticle and nails are exposed to too much cold, sun,chlorinated, salty or sudsy water, or dietary deficiencies. Mechanicalabuse may occur responsive to almost any cause such cause such astyping, telephone dialing, striking or carelessness. Alternatively, thecuticle or nail may be damaged due to faulty filing, trimming or othermanicure care. These and other problems may be overcome or alleviated ifthe nails are given a natural treatment.

[0004] Certain oil-containing compositions have been disclosed as beinguseful as nail and cuticle conditioners or softeners. U.S. Pat. No.2,765,257, for example, indicates that sulfonated mineral oil acts as aneffective cuticle softener while sulfonated animal and vegetable oilsare not effective. U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,609 discloses the soaking offingertips in a hot, aqueous emulsion of vegetable and animal oils tomoisturize, smooth and soften the surface of the nails and the tissuesurrounding the nails.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,498 refers to an oil composition consistingof a cosmetic oil containing jojoba oil and tolnaftate. This substanceis prescribed to treat fungal infections in nails, particularlysculptured nails, and known for their propensity to become contaminated.This type of formulation, although potentially effective if appliedfrequently has the difficulty that it has an oily texture that will onlydisplay its properties while present on the nail, and is easily removedby rubbing or when hands are washed with detergents.

[0006] To date, cuticle oils have been applied in one of two ways: aliquid application where the oil is poured directly onto the cuticles;and a brush application where the oil is applied onto the cuticles by abrush. Both of these applications have drawbacks. The liquid applicationis difficult to control when pouring and applying to a person'sfingernails and tends to spill requiring clean up. The brush applicationcan cause potential cross-contamination of dust and particles from oneuser to the next when reusing the same brush.

[0007] It would be advantageous to have a cuticle oil and a cuticle oildelivery system where the flow of the oil onto the cuticle can becontrolled.

[0008] It would further be advantageous to have a cuticle oil anddelivery system that minimizes the cross-contamination of dust and otherparticles from one person to the next.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a cuticle oil gelcomposition. The gel-based cuticle oil composition allows a user toremove dust and other particles that accumulate on or around thecuticle. The cuticle oil gel composition also assists in smoothingunevenly cut cuticles. The cuticle oil gel is silica-based so that ithas the advantage of providing consistency to the cuticle oil toeliminate spillage and control the flow of the cuticle oil.

[0010] The present invention is also directed to a delivery system forthe cuticle oil gel. The delivery system includes a housing and cuticleoil gel in the housing. The housing further includes an application tipat one end for the brushless dispersing of the cuticle gel oil and aremovable cap that is disposed about the application tip when the systemis not in use. Preferably, the housing is formed from a plastic so thata user may press on the housing in order to force the cuticle oil gelout of the housing. The delivery system is advantageous over knowncuticle oil systems such as brush application delivery systems becausethe present delivery system drastically reduces the possibility ofpotential cross-examination.

[0011] The present invention is further directed to a method fordispensing cuticle oil gel on a cuticle. The method includes the step ofapplying a cuticle oil gel to the cuticle. Preferably, the cuticle oilgel is a silica-based gel. The step of applying a cuticle oil gel to thecuticle further includes applying the cuticle oil gel to the cuticlefrom a cuticle oil gel delivery system.

[0012] Still other advantages and benefits of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading andunderstanding of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a preferred dispenser 10 includingcuticle oil gel.

[0014]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a preferred dispenser including anelongated applicator tip 12 and a removable cap 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present invention is directed to a cuticle oil gel formanicures and similar cosmetic purposes. The present invention is alsodirected to a cuticle oil gel delivery system for the application of thecuticle oil gel that can control the spillage of the oil and minimizethe potential for cross-contamination. The present invention is furtherdirected to a method for dispensing a cuticle oil gel onto a cuticle.

[0016] The cuticle oil gel is a silica-based compound. The silica allowsthe cuticle oil to exhibit a more viscous property. Preferably, thesilica is less than about 75% by weight of the cuticle oil composition.More preferably, the silica is less than about 50% by weight of thecuticle oil composition. Most preferably, the silica is less than 25% byweight of the cuticle oil composition.

[0017] Oils for use in the present composition include any known naturaloil. Such oils include emollient oils such as peanut oil, sesame oil,avocado oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, almond oil, sweet almond oil,safflower oil, corn oil, cotton seed oil, castor oil, olive oil, jojobaoil, paraffin oil, cod liver oil, palm oil, soybean oil, wheat germ oil,linseed oil, sunflower seed oil, rice bran oil, tea tree oil, andlavender oil. Preferably, the oils for use with the present compositioninclude rice bran oil, sweet almond oil, tangerine oil, jojoba oil,peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. More preferably, thecomposition includes each of the aforementioned preferred oils.

[0018] In general, the organic compounds used as oils are aromatichydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones,amines, esters, ethers, glycols, glycol ethers, alkyl halides, oraromatic halides. Representative compounds are alcohols such asmethanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-octanol,ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol; aliphatic hydrocarbonssuch as pentane, cyclohexane, heptane, Varnish Maker's & Painter's(VM&P) solvent, and mineral spirits; alkyl halides such as chloroform,carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, ethyl chloride, andchlorobenzene; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene,ethylbenzene, and xylene; esters such as ethyl acetate, isopropylacetate, ethyl acetoacetate, amyl acetate, isobutyl isobutyrate, benzylacetate, and isopropyl palmitate; ethers such as ethyl ether, n-butylether, tetrahydrofuran, and 1,4-dioxane; glycol ethers such as ethyleneglycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate,diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and propylene glycol monophenylether; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone,diacetone alcohol, methyl amyl ketone, and diisobutyl ketone; petroleumhydrocarbons such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, gasoline, naphtha,kerosene, gas oil, heavy oil, and crude oil; lubricating oils such asspindle oil and turbine oil; and fatty oils such as corn oil, soybeanoil, olive oil, rape seed oil, cotton seed oil, sardine oil, herringoil, and whale oil.

[0019] Other miscellaneous organic oils can also be used such asacetonitrile, nitromethane, dimethylformamide, propylene oxide, trioctylphosphate, butyrolactone, furfural, pine oil, turpentine, and m-cresol.

[0020] Further intended to be included in the term oil are volatileflavoring agents such as oil of wintergreen; peppermint oil; spearmintoil; menthol; vanilla; cinnamon oil; clove oil; bay oil; anise oil;eucalyptus oil; thyme oil; cedar leaf oil; oil of nutmeg; oil of sage;cassia oil; cocoa; licorice; high fructose corn syrup; citrus oils suchas lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit; fruit essences such as apple,pear, peach, grape, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, pineapple, andapricot; and other useful flavoring agents including aldehydes andesters such as cinnamyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, eugenyl formate,p-methylanisole, acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, anisic aldehyde, citral,neral, decanal, vanillin, tolyl aldehyde, 2,6-dimethyloctanal, and2-ethyl butyraldehyde.

[0021] In addition, the term oil is intended to include volatilefragrances such as natural products and perfume oils. Somerepresentative natural products and perfume oils are ambergris, benzoin,civet, clove, leaf oil, jasmine, mate, mimosa, musk, myrrh, orris,sandalwood oil, and vetivert oil; aroma chemicals such as amyisalicylate, amyl cinnamic aldehyde, benzyl acetate, citronellol,coumarin, geraniol, isobornyl acetate, ambrette, and terpinyl acetate;and the various classic family perfume oils such as the floral bouquetfamily, the oriental family, the chypre family, the woody family, thecitrus family, the canoe family, the leather family, the spice family,and the herbal family.

[0022] The present composition may also include an emulsifying agent.Emulsifying agents for use in the present composition can be a non-ionicsurfactant. The non-ionic surfactant (e.g., polysorbate 20) is addedmainly to emulsify the fragrance; however, the addition of non-ionicsurfactant also leads to increased gel thickening. The non-ionicsurfactants that can be used are those generally known in the art, andinclude mono-and diglycerides; sorbitol fatty acid esters;polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters; polyoxyethylene sorbitolesters; polyoxyethylene acids; polyoxyethylene alcohols; polyoxyethyleneadducts; polymeric surfactants; and mixtures thereof. This list is notexhaustive, but rather illustrative, and other non-ionic surfactants canalso be utilized. For various non-ionic surfactants, appropriate forcosmetic compositions according to the present invention, see U.S. Pat.No. 4,948,578 to Burger, et al, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

[0023] Illustrative specific non-ionic surfactants further includeglyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate (Arlacel 165, from ICI Americas);sorbitan laurate (Arlacel 20, from ICI Americas and Span 20 from ICIAmericas); polysorbate 20 (Tween 20, from ICI Americas); PEG-40 sorbitanperoleate (Arlatone T, from ICI Americas); PEG-40 stearate (Myrj 52,from ICI Americas); laureth-4 (Brij 30, from ICI Americas); PEG-25hydrogenated castor oil (Arlatone G, from ICI Americas); and C11-15Pareth-20 (Tergitol 15-S-20, from Union Carbide).

[0024] These non-ionic surfactants can be incorporated in thecomposition in amounts of 0-20% by weight, of the total weight of thecomposition. As can be appreciated, these non-ionic surfactants areoptional ingredients.

[0025] The cuticle oil gel composition can further include fatty acidesters such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octylpalmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, cetyl stearate,diisopropyl adipate, isodecyl oleate, diisopropyl sebacate, and lauryllactate. The emollient octyl palmitate is an ester of 2-ethylhexylalcohol and palmitic acid.

[0026] Examples of fragrances include peppermint, rose oil, rose water,aloe vera, clove oil, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and other plantextracts. Certain fragrances may require a solubilizer, e.g.,PPG-5-ceteareth-20. To eliminate certain odors from compositions,masking agents may be used. An example of a masking agent includesethylene brassylate.

[0027] The present composition may also include a component thatprevents unsaturated fatty materials in the emollients and emulsifiersfrom becoming rancid. Preferably, such a component is butylatedhydroxyanisole (CFTA name BHA). BHA is a food-grade antioxidant thatoffers outstanding compatibility with food fats and substantialcarry-though effectiveness that imparts excellent stability to fats,oils, and fat-containing food products. BHA is a mixture of isomers oftertiary butyl-substituted 4-methoxyphenols, chiefly consisting of3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole with lesser amounts of2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole.

[0028] The cuticle oil gel composition may further includevitamin-conditioning agents. Preferably, the cuticle oil gel includesone or more vitamin-conditioning agents such as tocopheryl acetate andretinyl palmitate. Tocopheryl acetate is an ester of tocopherol andacetic acid. Retinyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin A and palmiticacid. Both of these items improve the appearance and feel of the cuticleand act as an antioxidant.

[0029] The cuticle oil gel composition may further include antibacterialor antimicrobial agents. Any pharmaceutically acceptable anti-growthagent may be used, preferably an antifungal agent, antiyeast agent, orantibacterial agent, such as triclosan, clotrimazole, and the like, andmixtures thereof. Preferably, the composition includes less than about2% by weight of the anti-growth agent.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention is a dispenser that comprises acuticle oil gel composition as described above in a suitable container.The dispenser can be a sqeezable bottle, dropper bottle, or a tube. Thedispenser can be made of any material, for example, glass, rigidplastic, or flexible plastic. Other means of administration include atube with a suitable small orifice size, such as an extended tip tube.

[0031] The dispenser may dispense the cuticle oil gel numerous ways. Thedispenser may be designed so that a user must press on the dispenser inorder to force the cuticle oil gel out of the dispenser. Alternatively,the dispenser may include a pump mechanism to allow the cuticle oil gelto be withdrawn from the dispenser for use. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, any known dispensing mechanism may be utilized thatavoids the use of a brush or similar applicator that may causecross-contamination and can control spillage of the cuticle oil gel.

[0032] Preferably, the dispenser also acts as an applicator where a usermay dispense the cuticle oil gel from the dispenser onto the cuticle.The dispenser preferably includes an axially elongated reservoir tubewith the cuticle oil gel in the tube. The dispenser may include anapplicator tip where the cuticle oil gel is forced out of the dispenserthrough such a tip. The dispenser may include a cap or other closingmeans for covering the opening of the dispenser when not in use.

[0033]FIG. 1 shows a preferred dispenser 10 including the cuticle oilgel. FIG. 2 shows the preferred dispenser 10 having an extendedapplication tip 12 and a removable cap 14 to enclose the tip 12 when notin use.

[0034] The method for dispensing a cuticle oil gel includes applying acuticle oil gel to a cuticle using a dispenser. Preferably, thedispenser used in applying the cuticle oil gel to the cuticle does notinclude a brush that would be removable from the dispenser for applyingthe cuticle oil onto the cuticle.

[0035] The following example is merely illustrative of the presentinvention and should not be considered limiting of the scope of theinvention in any way. This example and equivalents thereof will becomemore apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the presentdisclosure and accompanying claims.

EXAMPLE

[0036] A cuticle oil gel was formed according to the followingformulation: Ingredient Percent by Weight Rice Bran Oil 37.14% SweetAlmond Oil 34.50% PEG-40 Peroleate  8.30% Silica  7.85% Jojoba Oil 5.65% Octyl Palmitate  5.00% Tangerine Oil  0.70% Peppermint Oil  0.45%Tea Tree Oil  0.10% Tocopheryl Acetate  0.10% Menthol  0.06% Fragrance 0.06% Lavender Oil  0.05% BHA  0.03% Retinyl Palmitate & Ergocalciferol 0.01%

[0037] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It isintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cuticle oil gel delivery system comprising: acuticle oil gel composition; a housing dispenser having said cuticle oilgel composition disposed within; and an extended applicator tip at anend of said housing dispenser, said extended applicator tip having anorifice at an end for brushless dispensing of said cuticle oil gelcomposition.
 2. The cuticle oil gel delivery system according to claim1, wherein said cuticle oil gel composition comprises less than 25% byweight of silica.
 3. The cuticle oil gel delivery system according toclaim 2, wherein said cuticle oil gel composition comprises less than10% by weight of silica.
 4. The cuticle oil gel delivery systemaccording to claim 2, wherein said cuticle oil gel composition furthercomprises a non-ionic surfactant.
 5. The cuticle oil gel delivery systemaccording to claim 2, wherein said cuticle oil gel composition furthercomprises an anti-growth agent.
 6. The cuticle oil gel delivery systemaccording to claim 2, wherein said cuticle oil gel composition furtherincludes a natural oil selected from the group consisting of rice branoil, sweet almond oil, tangerine oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, teatree oil, and lavender oil.
 7. The cuticle oil gel delivery systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said extended applicator tip is conicalshaped and has a first end and a second end smaller than said first end,said first end being integral with said housing and said orifice beingat said second end.
 8. The cuticle oil gel delivery system according toclaim 1, wherein said housing dispenser is selected from the groupconsisting of a squeezable bottle, a dropper bottle and a tube.
 9. Thecuticle oil gel delivery system according to claim 8, wherein saidhousing dispenser is a tube.
 10. The cuticle oil gel delivery systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises a removablecap disposed about said extended applicator tip when said deliverysystem is not in use.
 11. A cuticle oil gel composition comprising: lessthan about 25% by weight of silica; less than about 2% by weight of ananti-growth agent; from about 1% to about 80% by weight of a natural oilselected from the group consisting of rice bran oil, sweet almond oil,tangerine oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and lavenderoil; less than about 10% by weight of a surfactant; less than about 10%by weight of a fatty acid ester; less than about 1% by weight ofbutylated hydroxyanisole; and less than about 1% by weight of avitamin-conditioning agent.
 12. The cuticle oil gel compositionaccording to claim 11, wherein said vitamin-conditioning agent isselected from the group consisting of tocopheryl acetate and retinylpalmitate.
 13. The cuticle oil gel composition according to claim 11,wherein said natural oil consists essentially of rice bran oil, sweetalmond oil, tangerine oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, andlavender oil.
 14. The cuticle oil gel composition according to claim 11,wherein said anti-growth agent is selected from the group consisting oftriclosan and clotrimazole.
 15. The cuticle oil gel compositionaccording to claim 11, wherein said cuticle oil gel compositioncomprises less than about 10% by weight silica.
 16. A method ofdispensing a cuticle oil gel onto a cuticle comprising the step of:applying a cuticle oil gel composition onto a cuticle from a brushlesscuticle oil gel delivery system, said cuticle oil gel delivery systemcomprising a housing dispenser and an extended applicator tip at an endof said housing dispenser for brushless dispensing of said cuticle oilgel composition.
 17. The method according to claim 16, furthercomprising the step of: pressing a brushless cuticle oil gel deliverysystem to emit a cuticle oil gel composition from said system.